Palm Springs Convention Center Modernization & Connectivity Project

Palm Springs Convention Center

A captivating work of architecture with the magnificent San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, the Convention Center's 261,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space has the capacity to accommodate events of all sizes, whether it's a small business conference or a grand trade show. Thinking of hosting an event? Submit an RFP today!

The world renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala is held annually at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Project Snapshot

A Convention Center for the Next 30 Years
Palm Springs is investing in the future of its Convention Center with a once-in-a-generation modernization and expansion. This $125 million project will ensure that the Convention Center continues to serve as the region’s premier gathering place for conferences, exhibitions, and community events.

With updated technology, flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, and improved pedestrian connections to downtown and nearby hotels, the modernized Convention Center will welcome visitors and residents alike for decades to come. More than just a building, this project is about creating a vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community while enhancing everyday life for the people who call our city home.

The City's Vision
By 2030, Palm Springs aspires to be the desert’s premier center for commerce, community, and culture. The Convention Center modernization will deliver immersive technology, world-class meeting and event spaces, and a seamlessly connected campus of hotels, restaurants, and venues. Together, these improvements will fuel regional economic growth, generate new cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities, and provide lasting benefits for both residents and visitors alike.

Project at a Glance

Total Program Cost: Approximately $125
Construction Window: Nov 2026 – Mar 2029

About the Project

Opened in 1987 and expanded in 2005, the Palm Springs Convention Center has long been recognized for its desert-modernist design and role as a driver of local tourism and commerce. Today, it hosts more than 100 events annually, attracting over 130,000 attendees and supporting thousands of local jobs. However, the facility no longer meets planner demand for modern aesthetics, technology, and large-scale flexible space. The modernization and connectivity program will expand capacity, upgrade amenities, and create convenient pedestrian corridors linking the Convention Center with surrounding hotels, restaurants, and neighborhoods. The goal is to keep Palm Springs competitive, grow jobs, and reinvest in the community.

Why Now?

Studies show that the Convention Center’s ballroom and meeting space capacity currently meets only 55–73% of demand. Outdated technology and aesthetics are cited as barriers, while competitor cities offer stronger walkability and connectivity. Without strategic investment, Palm Springs risks losing business to other destinations.

Project Goals

Expand and modernize flexible event spaces, including indoor-outdoor gathering areas.
Upgrade technology, guest amenities, and food/beverage options.
Create shaded, inviting pedestrian connections to downtown and hotels.
Improve wayfinding through themed signage and public art integration.
Drive long-term economic growth through jobs, visitor spending, and tax revenues.

Modernization Plan

Facility Upgrades

Oasis Hall reconfiguration
Indoor/outdoor social and learning spaces
Food & beverage kiosks
Expanded eastern entrance
Flexible outdoor event space at the west and east entrances
Digital public art integration

Connectivity Improvements

Shaded pedestrian corridors
Nighttime installations and signage
Themed wayfinding and district branding
Streetscape upgrades and public art

Benefits

Economic Benefits

$113M annual economic output at full investment
$7.6M annual local tax revenue
1,302 full-time equivalent jobs, supporting $46.5M in wages

Long-Term Impact (30+ years)

$1.4B in total direct spending
$3.4B in total economic output
$228M in total tax revenue
3.8M hotel nights booked

Community Benefits

More walkable communities
Activation through art, performances, and public spaces
Improved guest and resident experience

Environmental Benefits

Sustainable, desert-appropriate landscaping
Targeting LEED® Gold standards
Urban greening and incorporation of water, cooling, and shade elements

Timeline & Milestones

Planning, Design & Project Approval
July 2025 – September 2026

Project Bidding & Contract Award(s)
September 2026 – November 2026

Renovation Construction (Phase 1)
November 2026 – April 2028

Expansion Construction (Phase 2)
April 2028 – March 2029

Funding & Budget

Estimated Budget (in development)

Design: $9.9M
Renovations: $38.5M
Expansion: $52.8M
Urban Connectors: $24.2M
Total: $125.5M

Funding Toolkit

Measure J (local sales tax; $10M approved FY25–26)
Measure A (county transportation funds for connectivity)
Proposed Tourism Infrastructure District (TID)
Existing Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
City/TID bond issuances

Progress Updates

Recent Highlights

City Council formally greenlit the project on September 10, 2025
Oak View Group (OVG) selected as Convention Center operator (effective Sept 28, 2025) with $1.8M capital commitment
RFQs issued for Owner’s Rep, Architect, and Urban Design teams
Financial model advanced to support debt issuance in 2026–2027

Community Engagement

How We’re Working Together

Since March 2025, the City Manager’s Convention Center Stakeholder Group has
guided the project, supported by four working groups:

Capital Improvements: Oversight of facility design, renovations, and expansion.
Urban Design & Connectivity: Pedestrian connectors, branding, and district identity.
Tourism Infrastructure District (TID): Exploring new funding mechanisms.
Public Finance: Financial modeling and fiscal oversight.

The City has initiated a comprehensive communications effort, ensuring transparency and opportunities for meaningful public input.

Get Involved

Nonprofit Meeting Space

Palm Springs is committed to making the Convention Center accessible to the community. Nonprofits can request access to meeting space at the Convention Center by filling out this online request form (coming soon).